The Basics
Score 1: MNU 1, Graceland 0
Score 2: MNU 7, Graceland 2
Records: MNU (24-14, 10-8), Graceland (7-33, 2-16)
Location: Olathe, Kan. – Williams Field

OLATHE, Kan. – MNU Softball head coach Jen Felvus recorded her 99th and 100th career victories in a double header sweep of Graceland on Tuesday.

In Game 1, MNU leaned on a fantastic performance in the circle to edge out a 1-0 victory in a tightly contested pitcher's duel. The first 20 batters of the game were retired before Lailah Simmons finally reached base with a 2-out single in the 4th. Meanwhile Mandy Brown struck out the first 9 batters she faced, and didn't allow a base runner until a leadoff single in the bottom of the 5th.

The Pioneers broke through in the 5th inning when Aariana Paprocki came around to score on a Dakoda Hobbs RBI fielder's choice, providing the only run of the game. That was all the support needed behind a flawless pitching effort.

Mandy Brown was overpowering, tossing a complete-game 1-hitter while striking out 15 and issuing no walks. Graceland never advanced a runner past first base, as Brown controlled the game from start to finish.

Game 1 Turning Point
MNU's lone run in the 5th inning was the game winner.

Game 1 Individual Leaders
Mandy Brown dominated with 15 strikeouts in a complete-game 1-hit shutout. And Lailah Simmons (1-3), Andi Clements (1-3), and Aariana Paprocki (1-3, R) recorded MNU's 3 hits.

In Game 2, MNU wasted no time taking control, plating 3 runs in the opening inning and never looking back in a 7-2 win.

Capitalizing on early Graceland errors, the Pioneers built a quick 3-0 lead and continued to apply pressure. Aariana Paprocki delivered an RBI single in the 3rd, and a 3-run 4th inning - highlighted by RBI hits from Molly Nicas and Morgan Hamilton - blew the game open at 7-0.

In the circle, Brie Manwarren set the tone with three scoreless innings before Grace Berlage closed the door, striking out five over four innings to secure the win.

Game 2 Turning Point
MNU's three-run 1st inning set the tone.

Game 2 Individual Leaders
Brie Manwarren scattered 4 hits in 3 shutout innings to start. Grace Berlage picked up the win with 5 strikeouts in 4 innings of relief. And Lailah Simmons (2-4, 2 R), Molly Nicas (2-4, R, RBI), Aariana Paprocki (2-4, RBI), and Dakoda Hobbs (2-4, R, 2B) had 2 hits apiece.

Up Next
The next double header is Friday at #15 Grand View at 1:00/3:00.